Linotype-machine



(No Model.)

0. A. ALBRECHT. LIYNOTYPE MACHINE.

No. 560,459. Patented May 19,1896.

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WITNESSES 8 RAHAM,PNOTO-LITHQWA511INGTUNJT UNITED STATES PATENT OEEicE.

CHRISTIAN A. ALBRECHT, OF NEXV YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO THE MERGENTI'IALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, OF NEW JERSEY.

LlNOTYPE-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 560,459, dated May 19, 1896.

fllpplication filed February 24:, 1896. Serial No. 580,296. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHRISTIAN A. AL- BRECHT, of New York, county of New York, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Linotype-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

In the Mergenthaler linotype-machine matrices for different faces or sizes of type are of the same size externally, and there is always a liability of an odd matrix finding its way into the machine and producing letters which do not harmonize with the remainder. To avoid this difficulty and permit the convenient sorting of matrices according to fonts, it is customary to provide them in one end with notches, known as font-notches, these notches being differentially located for different fonts or faces. It is also customary to provide the machine in advance of the distributing mechanism with a small blade or finger, commonly termed a "font-distinguisher, and adjusted in such position that it will aline with the font-notches of the proper matrices and allow them to pass freely to the distributing mechanism. If, however, an improper matrix is contained in the line, its notch will fail to aline with the distinguisher and the latter will arrest the matrix, which is then removed by the attendant. Heretofore in changing from one font to another it has been customary when one font of matrices is substituted for another in the machine to remove one font-distinguisher and substitute another with its finger in a different position. The aim of my invention is to overcome this difficulty and admit of the distinguisher be ing quickly adjusted to suit matrices of any face.

My invention embraces, broadly, any fontdistinguisher which is adjustable to different positions, and the details of construction may be widely varied; but in the drawings I have represented a construction which is found in practice to answer a good purpose.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 represent matrices of ordinary construction belonging to different fonts and having their font-notches in different positions; Fig. 4, a vertical cross-section through the distributer-box, from which the matrices are transferred one at a time to the distributer-rail, which in turn delivers them to their proper magazine-channels, as in the ordinary Mergenthaler machine. Fig. 5 is a side view of the same.

Referring to the drawings, A represents an ordinary matrix of the Mergenthaler machine, and a the font-notch in its lower end.

13 represents the distributer-box, so called, located in the top of the machine and adapted to admit of the composed line of matrices being advanced horizontally therethrough on its way to the distributer.

0 represents the font-distinguisher, which is arranged, as shown, in the distributer-box below the path of the matrices and has at its upper edge the blade or finger in such position that it is straddled by the font-notches of the matrices as they advance thereover.

All of the foregoing parts are constructed and arranged to operate in the ordinary manner, except that the font-distinguisher instead of being fixed in position is supported by a stem or spindle 0, so that itmay be moved transversely of the box in order to present its blade or finger in different positions. Any suitable means may be employed to effect this movement and to secure the distinguisher in the required position.

In the drawings I have represented a spiral spring 0 applied to the spindle and tending to urge the distinguisher to the left. The opposite end of the spindle is provided with two or more notches 0 adapted to receive a gravitating bolt or latch 0 pivoted to the side of the distributer-box. It is only necessary to pull the spindle endwise until the dis tinguisher is in the required position and to drop the latch in order to hold the same. In this manner the machine may be instantly adjusted as regards the distinguisher to receive matrices for any desired face.

While I prefer to use the distinguishingnotches in the lower ends of the matrices, it is to be understood, of course, that they may be located in any other suitable position and that the distinguisher will be located to correspond.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a linotype-machine, an adjustable font-distinguisher substantially as described.

2. In a linotype-niachine, a sliding fontdistinguisher and means for securing the same in different positions.

3. In alinotype-inachine, the movable fontdistinguisher, the spring tending to urge the same in one direction and locking devices substantially as shown to hold the same in the required positions against the stress of 10 the spring.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, this 13th day of February, 1896, in the presence of two attesting Witnesses.

CHRISTIAN A. ALBRECHT.

\Vitnesses:

MARGARET DUNN, G. T. MIATT. 

